How to isolate a bed from the building?

coffeehound

A strange one...  I have a downstairs neighbour who is routinely causing the floor of my flat to vibrate so badly that it is impossible to sleep.  Last night it went on until after 4 am.
I initially tried using a big inflatable mattress under the standard one, and also with a 70 mm memory foam topper on that, but it was not sufficient.  

I then threw some money at the problem and suspended the whole bed frame off the floor by multiple shock cords, but was astonished to find that even that still transmitted the vibrations, making it impossible to sleep.

I'm currently looking at buying a tent so that I can sleep rough in the meantime, so it's not a trivial situation.  Would therefore be very grateful for any constructive suggestions.

(And, yes, I will of course be moving on as soon as it is feasible.)

Cheers.

FreeBear

You can get antivibration mounts (most are just blocks of rubber). Depending on the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations, they may reduce some of it.

As with noise, vibration is a complex thing to deal with and often there is no "simple" solution.

coffeehound

Thanks FreeBear those sound hopeful for putting under the feet of the frame that currently supports the shock cords; will have a look.

neilmcl

Try speaking to your neighbour to find out the source of the "vibrations".

SeaVixen

I'd love to know what they're doing to cause this much vibrating! 

grumbler

suspend it to the сeiling

coffeehound

neilmcl said:

Try speaking to your neighbour to find out the source of the "vibrations".

Oh that ship sailed a year and more ago

SeaVixen said:

I'd love to know what they're doing to cause this much vibrating! 

If only it were.  No it's entirely intentional to control/harass/antgonise me!  He actually built something for the purpose.

grumbler said:

suspend it to the сeiling

Not far off that at present -- currently suspended from 2.1 metre high frame.  Ceiling might well be better if it is more isolated from the walls and floor but I'm not going to start cutting into the plasterboard.

NewShadow

coffeehound said:

neilmcl said:

Try speaking to your neighbour to find out the source of the "vibrations".

Oh that ship sailed a year and more ago

SeaVixen said:

I'd love to know what they're doing to cause this much vibrating! 

If only it were.  No it's entirely intentional to control/harass/antgonise me!  He actually built something for the purpose.

grumbler said:

suspend it to the сeiling

Not far off that at present -- currently suspended from 2.1 metre high frame.  Ceiling might well be better if it is more isolated from the walls and floor but I'm not going to start cutting into the plasterboard.

Ermm... two things spring to mind: 

1. Have you considered inviting environmental health around for a visit? I think vibrations and audible sound probably come under the same banner when it comes noise pollution... 

2. How on earth are you going to explain this to any potential buyers...?!? 

grumbler

coffeehound said:

Not far off that at present -- currently suspended from 2.1 metre high frame.  Ceiling might well be better if it is more isolated from the walls and floor but I'm not going to start cutting into the plasterboard.

Frame is useless. And you don't need to cut into anything. All you need is just to locate the joists.

E.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hammock-Hanging-Needs-500-Capacity-Hardware/dp/B07H65TXRY

However, I'd rather use some elastic rubber straps instead of springs.

ETA: the frame can work too with elastic straps.

e.g. https://upliftactive.com/products/extra-bungee-cord - too expensive, unfortunately, but you can find or DIY something much cheaper.

Norman_Castle

What are the floor, ceiling and walls made of?

I've used these and would trust four of them into ceiling joists to hold the weight of you and a bed. You might find them cheaper than my link.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Japanned-135mm-Pigtail-Hammock/dp/B0758BVGD1/ref=pd_sbs_60_1/260-4144930-3777023?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0758BVGD1&pd_rd_r=b7c99646-95a7-421c-9c77-0b38fb91ee06&pd_rd_w=qlAlw&pd_rd_wg=rjNH5&pf_rd_p=2773aa8e-42c5-4dbe-bda8-5cdf226aa078&pf_rd_r=1YFA44H8V3S29A1AFT78&psc=1&refRID=1YFA44H8V3S29A1AFT78

cheaper. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SET-OF-4-PIGTAIL-SCREW-IN-SWING-HOOKS-Heavy-Duty-Steel-Hanging-Hammock-Loop-/312119246058

FreeBear

coffeehound said:

SeaVixen said:

I'd love to know what they're doing to cause this much vibrating! 

If only it were.  No it's entirely intentional to control/harass/antgonise me!  He actually built something for the purpose.

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

(1) A person must not pursue a course of conduct
               (a)which amounts to harassment of another, and
               (b)which he knows or ought to know amounts to harassment of the other.

Section two makes it a criminal offence punishable with prison time and/or a fine. If this neighbour has built a machine with the express purpose of harassment, then the police should be involved. If they refuse, then lodging a complaint with the IOPC is in order.

Illegitimi non carborundum